# Bleeding in Pregnancy: Causes and When to Seek Urgent Care
Seeing blood during pregnancy is frightening. Bleeding has many causes, some minor and some serious, and only an examination can tell them apart. The safe approach is to report any bleeding to your doctor. This guide explains the common causes in each stage of pregnancy and which signs mean you should go to hospital straight away.
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# Early pregnancy (first 12 weeks)
Light spotting can happen around implantation or after an internal examination. Other causes include threatened miscarriage, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy grows outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is an emergency. Go to hospital at once if bleeding comes with one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting.
# Later pregnancy
After 20 weeks, important causes include:
- Placenta previa: the placenta lies low and covers the cervix. Dr. Mukta Paul’s high-risk pregnancy page lists it among pregnancy-related conditions that make a pregnancy high-risk. It often causes painless bright red bleeding.
- Placental abruption: the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus too early. It is often painful and needs emergency care.
- Preterm labour: bleeding or a mucus show with regular tightenings before 37 weeks.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists explains low-lying placenta and related conditions in its patient leaflet on placenta praevia, placenta accreta and vasa praevia.
# Go to hospital immediately if you have
- Heavy bleeding, or bleeding with clots
- Bleeding with abdominal pain or a hard, tender belly
- Bleeding with dizziness or fainting
- Fewer baby movements than usual
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
# What the doctor will do
Expect questions about the amount and colour of the bleeding, an examination, an ultrasound to check the placenta and the baby, and blood tests including blood group. Women with Rh-negative blood may need an anti-D injection.
# After an episode of bleeding
Depending on the cause, you may be advised to rest, avoid intercourse, have extra scans or stay in hospital for observation. If you have placenta previa, your doctor will discuss the timing and type of delivery.
# Care in Kharadi
Dr. Mukta Paul’s website describes high-risk pregnancy as her special interest, and her services page lists high-risk pregnancy care among obstetric services. If you are looking for a high-risk pregnancy specialist, Kharadi, you can contact the clinic for a consultation. Dr. Mukta Paul (MBBS, DGO, DNB, MRCOG UK) consults at Hridan Specialist Clinic, Cabin No. 2, Shop No. 1, Vitthal Heights, Mundhwa-Kharadi Road, opposite Radisson Blu Hotel, Kharadi, Pune. The clinic hours listed on her website are Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (closed Thursday and Sunday), and the appointment number is +91 99233 29461.
This article is general health information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Details about Dr. Mukta Paul come from drmuktapaul.com; please check the website or call the clinic for current information.